Doctor Doom’s Reality-Bending Plan: How Franklin Richards Could Reshape the MCU
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is bracing for a seismic shift. Forget Thanos – a new, far more calculating threat is emerging, and his ambitions aren’t simply conquest, but creation. Recent leaks surrounding Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars point to Doctor Doom leveraging the immense power of Franklin Richards, potentially triggering a soft reboot of the entire MCU and reshaping reality in his own image. This isn’t just a villain’s plot; it’s a fundamental challenge to the very fabric of the multiverse as we know it.
The Franklin Richards Key: A Cosmic Powerhouse
The whispers started with industry insider @MyTimeToShineH on X, claiming Doom intends to “take Franklin Richards and will use him for his plans.” This isn’t a random grab for power; Franklin Richards is arguably the most powerful being in the Marvel Universe, possessing the ability to warp reality on a cosmic scale. His powers stem from being a mutant born to Reed and Sue Richards, and his potential is virtually limitless. The post-credits scene of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, reportedly showing Doom observing Franklin, is now viewed as a crucial setup for the unfolding saga.
But why Franklin? The prevailing theory suggests Doom isn’t simply seeking to steal power, but to harness it. The 2015 Secret Wars comic provides a chilling precedent. In that storyline, Doom absorbed the power of the Beyonders, becoming a godlike being who remade reality. However, Franklin Richards ultimately reclaimed his power and rebuilt the multiverse. The upcoming films may echo this narrative, with Doom attempting to control Franklin’s abilities to achieve a similar, albeit more sinister, outcome.
From Celestial Powers to Multiversal Control
The connection to Robert Downey Jr.’s set materials further fuels speculation. His sharing of Jonathan Hickman’s Doom #1 – a comic where Doom absorbs Celestial powers – isn’t a coincidence. Hickman’s run on Fantastic Four is renowned for its complex exploration of cosmic entities and multiversal threats. This suggests Avengers: Doomsday will feature a similar escalation of power, with Doom potentially seeking to augment his own abilities through Franklin’s cosmic potential. The stakes are astronomically high, potentially exceeding even the Infinity Saga in scope.
The Secret Wars Reboot Potential
The most radical theory posits that Franklin Richards will be the catalyst for a soft reboot of the MCU. After Secret Wars, the universe may not simply be restored, but reshaped according to Doom’s vision. This isn’t necessarily a complete erasure of existing storylines, but a recalibration of the multiverse, potentially streamlining continuity and opening up new narrative possibilities. This approach would allow Marvel Studios to address criticisms of its increasingly complex timeline while retaining beloved characters and storylines. The implications for established heroes and villains are immense.
Beyond the Films: The Broader Implications
This potential storyline isn’t just significant for Marvel fans; it reflects a broader trend in superhero narratives – the exploration of cosmic power and the consequences of unchecked ambition. The idea of a villain seeking to fundamentally alter reality taps into anxieties about control, order, and the nature of existence itself. Furthermore, the focus on Franklin Richards highlights the growing importance of legacy characters and the exploration of generational power dynamics within the MCU.
The careful seeding of these plot points – from the post-credits scene to the set materials – demonstrates Marvel Studios’ commitment to long-term storytelling. This isn’t a haphazard reveal; it’s a meticulously crafted narrative arc designed to build anticipation and maximize impact. The success of this strategy hinges on their ability to convincingly portray Doom as a credible threat and to explore the ethical complexities of wielding such immense power.
With Avengers: Doomsday slated for December 18, 2026, and Avengers: Secret Wars following on December 17, 2027, the countdown to this multiversal showdown has begun. The fate of the MCU – and perhaps the very fabric of reality – hangs in the balance. What are your predictions for how Doctor Doom will utilize Franklin Richards? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
